Sylvia Dalton Merrill, age 91, of Cornelia, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Ms. Merrill was born on March 12, 1934, in White County, Georgia, to the late Marvin Chester Dalton and Clara Mae Alexander Dalton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David Shane McEntyre; sister, Shelby Jean Dalton; and brother, Henry Kermit Dalton.
Sylvia was a proud graduate of Piedmont College, Clemson University, and Converse College. Her commitment to education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in nursing and healthcare leadership. She faithfully served as the Director of Nursing at Habersham Medical Center for many years, where she led with both skill and compassion. Her career also included service at a hospital in Anderson, South Carolina, where she continued her mission of caring for others. Beyond her work in healthcare, Sylvia was a gifted entrepreneur. She owned and operated One Stop Craft Shops in Clarkesville, Cornelia, and Clemson. Her talents extended into the floral industry as well, where her eye for beauty and detail brought joy to many through her floral business. In addition, she owned M&M Construction, through which she built FHA homes, helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and strengthening her community in lasting ways.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Ann McEntyre Ferguson and Joseph David Ferguson, of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Sally McEntyre, of Baldwin; sister, Peggy Sue Dalton Smith, of Cleveland; grandchildren, Wendi and her spouse, Lance; Casei, Shauna and her spouse, Todd; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Madison, Luke, Cohen, Marlee, Hunter, Adair; and great-great-grandchild, Jackson, Jr.
Private Graveside Services will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Chattahoochee Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Nathan LaShoto officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
